Young voices returned to the 2015 American Planning Association California Chapter's Annual Conference in Oakland California. This year's theme "Rooted in Authenticity" was the perfect backdrop to highlight the amazing work that young social entrepreneurs--who belong to Generation Z--are doing in the Sacramento area. Maiti King and Zelia Gonzales, leaders from the Sacramento Young Feminists Alliance, spent the morning of October 5 sharing insights about their authentic approach to unite youth from around Sacramento. Following a brief video interview about youth engagement with three of their friends, they lead a robust conversation about ways to engage youth in planning processes. Linda Dalton from the California Planning Roundtable was in attendance and was very kind to share her summary notes for this post:

Public agency and consulting firm internships for high school students

City of Sacramento, ”Summer at City Hall” – leadership development and internship (focused on under-represented populations), with stipend and academic credit

City of Monterey, “Volunteer” program – but not sustained

County youth commissions – e.g,. El Dorado County

U.C. Davis Extension program support

Issues and Challenges

Reaching across section of students – e.g., students in AP classes are privileged by their backgrounds and non-representative; 4-H students are more likely from families of farm owners and managers than workers

Focusing on activities that can be accomplished within a school year (less than 10 months)

Sustaining youth engagement from year to year when graduating students move on to college

Retaining commitment of youth who leave when they go to college and don’t return afterward to more rural areas

Elizabeth Yee, Assistant Planner for the City of Manteca, enjoyed the Salon session and shared the following reflection:

"Although, I am only a generation older than Gen Z'ers, I still sometimes forget that they are searching for a voice and place in their community too. The presentation was a good reminder that, when we do our jobs, we are really planning for the next generations and their input is not to be ignored."

The session entitled "Hear Me! Gen Z’ers with Millenials’ Voices" was organized by LUPA team member Miguel A. Vazquez. Maiti King produced the video below which is posted with her permission.